Introduction: Religion it is commonly thought is a source of morality and maybe even the foundation of morality. Yet others like Grayling question this "It is not true, as some people think, that morality is just the system of rules that religions teach us. There is no connection between moral goodness and religious faith. The connection is the other way round: some religious people are moral, and some are not." - A.C. Grayling, The God Argument (2013) Plato first considered the problem in his Euthyphro (c. 399 BCE). Religion is an important force in shaping moral beliefs and practices but the role of secular sources of moral principles, such as reason and empathy seems equally important.
Thesis: Here I will defend the view that morality derived from religion is inherently flawed as it is dependent on subjective interpretations of religious texts and often leads to dogmatic thinking and intolerance towards those who do not share the same beliefs.
Argument: Morality is subjective and varies between different religions and cultures, making it impossible to rely on any single religious system for guidance on moral issues. Moreover, religious texts are often open to interpretation and can be used to justify a wide range of conflicting moral beliefs. For example, both the Bible and the Quran contain passages that can be interpreted as either promoting peace and love or justifying violence and oppression. This ambiguity leads to a lack of consensus on moral issues and results in different religious groups claiming to possess the only "true" morality. J.L. Mackie, argues "The idea that morality can be based on divine authority is flawed because it fails to provide a satisfactory account of the nature of moral obligation, the content of moral standards, and the source of moral motivation." - J.L. Mackie, Ethics: Inventing Right and Wrong (1977)
Counter-argument: Religion provides a valuable moral framework that has stood the test of time and offers a clear path towards living a virtuous life. Religious teachings provide a strong foundation for ethical behavior, and they often emphasize values such as compassion, forgiveness, and empathy. Moreover, religion can provide a sense of community and support for individuals who seek to lead a moral life.
Counter-Counter-argument: However, religion can also be used to justify immoral behavior, such as discrimination, violence, and intolerance towards those who do not share the same beliefs. This is particularly true in cases where religious texts are taken literally and not interpreted in their historical or cultural context. For example, the religious justification for slavery and the oppression of women in the past were based on literal interpretations of religious texts. Moreover, religion has been used to justify numerous atrocities throughout history, such as the Crusades, the Inquisition, and the persecution of Jews, Muslims, and other religious minorities.
Counter- argument 2: It is possible to argue that these examples of religiously motivated violence and intolerance are not representative of religion as a whole, and that they are the result of individuals or groups misinterpreting or misusing religious teachings. However, the fact remains that religious beliefs and practices can be used to justify both moral and immoral behavior, and that this duality is an inherent feature of religion itself. Bertrand Russel would agree arguing "I am persuaded that the license allowed in religious controversy is one great cause of the gradual loss of religious belief. But I do not think that the dogmas and theories of theology are of any value unless they are intimately bound up with the moral principles and practical wisdom applicable to human life." - Bertrand Russell, Why I am not a Christian (1927) Moreover Friedrich Nietzsche argues "When religion is thought of as an instrument of morality, it becomes a mere convention and loses its binding force, since morality is not self-evidently related to it, and it can always be superseded by considerations of utility or expediency." - Friedrich Nietzsche, Beyond Good and Evil (1886)
Synoptic links to philosophy: The debate surrounding morality and religion has been a central issue in philosophy for centuries. One of the key arguments against the idea that morality is derived from religion is the Euthyphro dilemma, which asks whether something is good because God commands it, or whether God commands it because it is good. Plato argues "It is not God who makes the moral order. The moral order exists independently of God and is only known to us by intuition." - Plato, Euthyphro (c. 399 BCE) This dilemma highlights the problem of basing morality solely on religious authority, as it raises the question of whether moral principles are independent of religion or whether they are simply arbitrary commands issued by a divine authority.
Counter-Counter-argument 2: Another philosopher who has contributed to the debate is Immanuel Kant, who argued that morality is based on reason rather than religious authority. According to Kant, moral principles are universal and objective, and they can be derived from the inherent nature of rational beings. "Religion and morality are not synonymous. Morality does not depend on religion, but rather is grounded in autonomy and reason." - Immanuel Kant, Critique of Practical Reason (1788). He further argues "The pure moral law is independent of any empirical motives or particular inclinations, including religious beliefs." - Immanuel Kant, Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals (1785) This view challenges the idea that morality is dependent on religious beliefs and practices, as it suggests that moral principles are independent of any particular religious tradition. Christine M. Korsgaard argues "For Kant, morality must be based on rational principles that can be universalized, rather than on the particular beliefs of any particular religion." - Christine M. Korsgaard, Creating the Kingdom of Ends (1996) Allen W. Wood, further explains "The moral law is not given to us by any external authority, but rather is a product of our own reason and autonomy." - Allen W. Wood, Kantian Ethics (2008)
In conclusion as Sam Harris, argues "The fact that believers consistently fail to agree on religious doctrine suggests that religious faith is largely a matter of geography, culture and family tradition, and not of rational thought." - Sam Harris, The End of Faith (2004). This is not a new arguement. Yet it might be argued generously that while "Religion is not the source of morality, but it is an important force in shaping moral beliefs and practices." - William K. Frankena, Ethics (1973). Even Peter Singer would agree arguing "Religion can provide a valuable source of moral guidance and inspiration, but it is important to recognize that moral principles can also be derived from secular sources, such as reason, empathy, and human flourishing." - Peter Singer, Ethics in the Real World (2016) Less generously Rachels argues that "Religious morality is the manifestation of the moral sense of the community as it has been influenced by the religious tradition. It is not a divine revelation, but a social and cultural product." - James Rachels, The Elements of Moral Philosophy (1986) Kant's rejected of the idea that morality is derived from religion or divine authority. nstead. Kant argued that moral principles should be based on rational principles that can be universalized and that morality requires an unconditional commitment to the good. Kant's moral theory is grounded in the autonomy of the individual and is not contingent on the beliefs of any particular religion. T
References:
Dawkins, R. (2006). The God Delusion. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Kant, I. (1785). Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals. Cambridge University Press.
Immanuel Kant, (1788) Critique of Practical Reason
Plato. (399 BCE). Euthyphro.
Friedrich Nietzsche, (1886) Beyond Good and Evil
Sam Harris, (2004). The End of Faith
A.C. Grayling, (2013) The God Argument
William K. Frankena, (1973) Ethics
James Rachels, (1986) The Elements of Moral Philosophy
Peter Singer, (2016) Ethics in the Real World
Christine M. Korsgaard, (1996) Creating the Kingdom of Ends
Allen W. Wood, (2008) Kantian Ethics
Religion it is commonly thought is a source of morality and maybe even the foundation of morality but many modern philsoophers have challenged this view. Roger J. Sullivan, argues from an Kantian persecptive this is teh case saying "For Kant, morality is not a matter of following the commands of a divine authority, but of following the dictates of reason and the categorical imperative." - Roger J. Sullivan, An Introduction to Kant's Ethics (1994)
Thesis: Here I will defend the view that morality should not be linked to religion, as it risks undermining the autonomy and rationality of moral decision-making, and can lead to dogmatism and intolerance.
Argument: Morality, as a system of ethical principles and values, should be grounded in reason and universal principles, rather than in the particular beliefs and traditions of any one religion. Margaret Atwood argues "Morality is not based on religion. It is based on reason and experience." Linking morality to religion risks reducing morality to a matter of blind faith, and can lead to dogmatism and intolerance, as individuals may be unwilling to question or challenge their religious beliefs, even in the face of conflicting evidence or arguments. Richard Dawkins argues "The notion that morality must be grounded in religion is a pernicious myth." - Moreover, linking morality to religion can undermine the autonomy of moral decision-making, as individuals may feel pressured to conform to the dictates of their religion, rather than making decisions based on their own conscience and judgment. Peter Singer argues "If one is going to link morality to religion, then it is necessary to accept that there are many conflicting religions, each of which makes incompatible claims about morality." -
Counter argument: Some may argue that religion provides a useful framework for moral decision-making, as it offers clear guidance and a sense of purpose and meaning. Alasdair MacIntyre argues "Religious traditions have long provided a moral framework for human society, emphasizing the importance of virtues such as honesty, humility, and love for one's neighbor." - Moreover, many religious traditions have a long and rich history of moral reflection and ethical inquiry, and can offer valuable insights into questions of morality and justice. Robert George argues "Religion provides a framework for moral decision-making that is rooted in tradition, community, and a sense of transcendent purpose." - Further the late Jonathan Sacks would agree arguing "Religion provides a moral compass that helps individuals navigate the complexities of the world and make decisions based on a set of shared values and beliefs." - These ideas are consistent with religious and theological approaches to ethics, such as natural law theory or divine command theory, which emphasize the importance of religious authority and revelation in moral decision-making.
Counter counter argument: While it is true that religion can offer valuable insights into morality, it is important to recognize that these insights can be gained without relying on religious dogma or authority. Sam Harris argues "If you believe that morality comes from God, you are saying that right and wrong are based not on any rational considerations, but simply on divine fiat." Many secular and non-religious approaches to ethics, such as Kantian ethics or utilitarianism, offer rigorous and compelling accounts of morality that do not depend on religious belief. Moreover, by grounding morality in reason and universal principles, rather than in religious traditions and authority, we can ensure that moral decision-making remains open to critical inquiry and debate, and that individuals are able to exercise their autonomy and judgment in a responsible and informed way.
Synoptic links to philosophy: This debate has important links to broader questions in philosophy, including the relationship between reason and faith, the nature of moral obligation, and the role of tradition and authority in ethical decision-making. It also touches on questions of cultural relativism and the universality of moral values.
In conclusion while it can be argued that religion can provide a useful framework for moral decision-making, as it provides individuals with a sense of shared values, community, and transcendent purpose. Martin Luther King Jr. "Religion can provide a powerful motivation for moral action, inspiring individuals to live lives of service, compassion, and selflessness." - and that religion can inspire individuals to act morally and provide guidance on important virtues and ethical principles. It is also the case that "Morality cannot depend upon religion, because it is based on human reason, and reason must be maintained as the final arbiter of moral decisions." - Thomas Jefferson
References:
Jefferson, T. (1787). Letter to Peter Carr. Retrieved from https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Jefferson/01-12-02-0152
Kant, I. (1785). Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals. Cambridge University Press.
Singer, P. (2011). Practical Ethics. Cambridge University Press.
Smart, J. J. C. (1963). An Outline of a System of Utilitarian Ethics. Oxford University Press.
Sam Harris, (2004). The End of Faith
Atwood, M. (2019). The Testaments. Penguin.
Dawkins, R. (2006). The God Delusion. Houghton Mifflin.
Harris, S. (2010). The Moral Landscape. Free Press.
George, R. (2012). Conscience and Its Enemies: Confronting the Dogmas of Liberal Secularism. Intercollegiate Studies Institute.
King Jr., M. L. (1992). Strength to Love. Fortress Press.
MacIntyre, A. (1984). After Virtue: A Study in Moral Theory. University of Notre Dame Press.
Sacks, J. (2015). Not in God's Name: Confronting Religious Violence. Schocken Books.
Roger J. Sullivan, (1994) An Introduction to Kant's Ethics